You want ready-made AFL footballers? Then look no further than the Peter Jackson VFL, writes David O'Neill
That was the message from Round 1 of the AFL season after the stunning debut of former VFL stars Brett Goodes, Matthew Jones, Sam Dwyer and Jack Frost.
Each of the four made an impact in their first outing at the highest level as an 11-day opening round wrapped up.
Goodes was the first to enhance the VFL’s reputation when he performed more like a 150-game veteran than a debutant in the Bulldogs mauling of the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.
The former Williamstown and North Ballarat Roosters defender accumulated 24 disposals in an assured display across half back that had many wondering why his chance took so long to arrive.
The 29-year-old, brother of Adam, is a dual VFL premiership-player with the Roosters and has long been touted as one of the best in the second-tier competition.
But on Saturday Goodes’ decade-long journey to the elite level was quickly cast aside as he became an overnight sensation.
With every penetrating kick that found its mark his popularity with the Bulldogs’ faithful increased and so did his importance to Brendan McCartney’s defensive set-up.
Acting Bulldogs captain Robert Murphy paid tribute to his new teammate after the match, labeling Goodes a new cult hero and questioning why for so long he had been overlooked.
"He's a great player," Murphy told afl.com.au
"It sort of amazes you that it takes this long for him to get into the big league, because he's got all the attributes of a quality half-back."
Mature-age Melbourne recruit Matthew Jones, 25, was another to slip seamlessly into the AFL, although his debut was overshadowed by the ease in which the Demons crumbled at the hands of Port Adelaide.
The former Box Hill Hawks defender was one of the few shinning lights for the men in red and blue, as he collected 22 touches across half back and proved he has the mettle to make it at the elite level.
Collingwood unveiled two rookies to graduate from the VFL to the top-flight competition with Jack Frost (Williamstown) and Sam Dwyer (Port Melbourne) getting an opportunity in Round 1.
Frost was a last-minute replacement for Magpie defender Heath Shaw and looked more than comfortable against North Melbourne’s trio of key forwards.
The 21-year-old finished with 12 possessions and enough timely spoils to warrant more opportunities in the Magpies’ senior side.
Dwyer was forced to wait a little longer for his chance, wearing the green substitute’s vest until Ben Johnson was forced out the game at half-time with a severe corky.
The midfielder’s impact was immediate as he racked up seven disposals in the third term alone to help the Magpies sprint away from the Kangaroos.
The 26-year-old has all the traits of a quality AFL footballer and will be striving to cement his place in Nathan Buckley’s best 22 in the coming weeks.
Last Modified on 02/04/2013 13:16